England captain Michael Vaughan will miss Friday's clash with Australia
while fast bowler James Anderson has been ruled out for the rest of the
tri-series, team officials said on Thursday.
Vaughan is struggling to recover from a hamstring injury while Anderson
will fly home after suffering from a recurrence of his long-standing
back problems.
The right-arm quick had been in good form in the series, taking eight
wickets at 20.62, but will now follow batsman Kevin Pietersen home in
another injury blow for the embattled tourists.
"Whilst he is pain-free at the moment, based on specialist advice with
a view to him being fully fit for the entire World Cup, he has been
advised as a very precautionary approach to be rested for the rest of
the series," an England spokesman said.
However, seamer Jon Lewis could return from an ankle injury and England
said Vaughan may be available for their final qualifying match.
England have won only one of their six matches and need to win their
last two with New Zealand losing twice to be sure of making the finals.